INDIANAPOLIS 500
Memorial Day Weekend, Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Indianapolis 500 is the world’s largest single-day sporting event, drawing more than 300,000 spectators from around the globe. Celebrating its Centennial Era, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway drops the green flag on the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2011.
Every year during Memorial Day Weekend more than 3-billion race fans tune-in to Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 500 miles of open wheel racing. Thirty-three drivers line-up for their place in racing history and the chance and honor of their face sculpted on the coveted 74-year old Borg-Warner trophy.
Among the Borg-Warner trophy, traditions run rich at the 2.5-mile iconic oval. Families like Andretti, Unser, Rahal and Foyt give life to traditions over decades. Between Bump Day, Carb Day, the kissing of the bricks, the Gordon Pipers and many more, drivers and fans alike anxiously await the 500 all year long.
Anticipation for the Indy 500 is so big in the Circle City, in fact, that the entire month of May in Indianapolis is devoted to the race. Drivers and teams practice all month long as the city prepares for one of its biggest claims to fame.
But, the Month of May in Indianapolis is not just fast cars. The 500 Festival hosts the nation’s largest half marathon, the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon on the first Saturday in May. Events such as Breakfast at the Brickyard, Rookie Run, American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day, Snakepit Ball and the 500 Festival Parade are just a snapshot of the hundreds of events in the city. Thirty-three 500 Festival princesses are also selected to serve as ambassadors of the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Indianapolis during the month of May all leading up to the coronation of the 500 Festival queen the weekend before the race.
The celebration doesn’t slow down when the sun sets. Parties around the city will keep going all weekend long and do not slow down until the city goes back to a normal pace the Tuesday after. Celebrities from around the world arrive in Indy in hopes of meeting their favorite driver and a glimpse into Hoosier tradition and pride.
The Indianapolis 500 is like no other event in the world. And the only way to experience it is with hundreds of thousands of fans experiencing it with you including some of the nation’s top celebrities. From the sweet smell of the ethanol to the scream of the tires, Indianapolis is the place to be during the month of May.
For more information on the Indianapolis 500 visit:
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500
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